Code of conduct for pilots and check-list
Code of conduct for pilots and check-list
Code of conduct:
(1) The pilot is the only one who has the authority to make decisions concerning the flight and the aircraft. The presence of other people on board should never make the pilot feel pressured to conduct the flight in a certain way because he is the only one who knows how to safely pilot the aircraft. The passenger will have been informed about the possibility of the cancellation of the flight at any time for any reasons.
(2) Bad weather conditions are a primary reason for accidents in non-commercial General Aviation flights with light aircraft. Weather conditions can change quickly, as a result the pilot may cancel the flight. Therefore, the day before the actual flight, the pilot should inform the passenger of the weather forecast regarding the feasibility of the flight. The presence of the passenger on the day of the flight and their expectations that it will take place, shall not make the pilot reluctant to cancel a flight.
(3) The pilot can refuse to board a passenger at any time, for any reason (safety or operational) and without any justification.
(4) EU safety regulations only permit cost-shared flights by private individuals, if the direct cost (i.e. cost directly incurred in relation to the flight, e.g. fuel, airfield charges, rental fee for an aircraft) are shared between all parties, including the pilot. Cost-shared flights shall not have an element of profit. If a flight is not a cost-shared flight in accordance with EU safety regulations, the flight will be qualified as a commercial flight and commercial air operation rules will apply.
(5) Prior to the flight, the pilot shall always indicate the type of aircraft used for the cost-shared flight. Whenever, the aircraft type and model of the aircraft changes, the pilot must inform the passenger of such a change.
(6) The cost-shared flight will be conducted under the sole responsibility of the pilot under the applicable regulation for non-commercial flights with light aircraft by private pilots. It is also the pilot’s responsibility to ensure the flight is insured for flights with passengers.
(7) The pilot should inform the passenger that toilets are not available on board.
Check-list
Pilots shall be encouraged to use a checklist, including at least the following elements, before commencing any flight:
Have you ensured that a list of the emergency and survival equipment carried on board is available for immediate communication to rescue and co-ordination centres?
(1) Have you checked that the relevant documentation for the aircraft is current?
(2) Did you provide a passenger briefing prior to the flight?
(3) Did you complete a weight and balance/performance calculation?
(4) Is your first aid kit accessible and up to date?
Detailed guidance on passenger handling shall be provided to the pilot. Below is an example
1 Just after the passenger booking:
- Contact the passenger by phone/chat to get acquainted with each other
- Explain to the passengers the risks of cancellation of the flight due to the weather or any other cancellation reason.
- Give some advice to the passenger in terms of logistics (sunglasses, transportation to the airfield, weight of passengers, maximum luggage, etc...)
2 The Day before the flight:
- Make a weather briefing with the passengers/cancellation if needed
- Make sure the passenger will be on time to the airfield
- Repeat advice to the passenger in terms of logistics (sunglasses, transportation to the airfield, weight of passengers, maximum luggage, etc...)
3 Before Engine start:
- Take time to explain on the map the route you are planning to do
- Explain to the passenger what he should or not do (below an example of passenger briefing)
4 Passenger Briefing: inside the aircraft
- Installation, seat belt, seat position, locking and unlocking of the doors
- Rudder, yoke are unobstructed (Explain to the passenger that he shouldn’t touch it and he should make sure it is always unobstructed)
- Explain to the passengers that He/she should not speak when you are using the radio
- Explain how to proceed in an emergency landing
- How to proceed in case of stress or sickness, that he should not hesitate to mention it to the pilot (pilot should handover an air sickness bag).
- Instruct the passenger on how to participate in the safety of the flight (you can tell passengers how they can help you)
